Gone too soon: Kaanta Laga star dies

Actor and reality television star Shefali Jariwala, best known for her breakout appearance in the early 2000s hit music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, has died at the age of 42.

Jariwala was reportedly found unresponsive at her residence in the Golden Rays-Y building in Mumbai’s Andheri suburb late Friday night. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.

Mumbai Police confirmed receiving information about her death at around 1 am on Saturday. They said her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem examination, and the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.

Shefali Jariwala became a household name in 2002 after starring in the remix of ‘Kaanta Laga’, a reimagining of a classic Lata Mangeshkar track from the 1972 film ‘Samadhi’. Her performance and unique look catapulted her to fame overnight.

Beyond her music video fame, Jariwala was known for participating in the dance-based reality show ‘Nach Baliye’ alongside her husband and later appeared in the Salman Khan-hosted ‘Bigg Boss 13’, gaining further popularity and a loyal fan following.

Just a week before her untimely death, Jariwala had posted a video on social media, showing herself getting ready for a shoot. She captioned the post: “It’s time for us to start living life. Like everything is working out in our favour.”

The news of her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with several celebrities expressing their grief online.

Singer Mika Singh wrote: “I’m deeply shocked, saddened and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile and spirit. Om Shanti.”

Actor Kamya Punjabi tweeted: “I can’t get over this news...my heart is sinking. Shefali.”

TV star Divyanka Tripathi echoed the sentiments: “Still can’t process the news about Shefali. Gone too soon. Deeply sad for her husband and the family.”

Actor-comedian Kiku Sharda recalled working with her on web shows: “She was full of energy, full of life and always greeted all with a big, bright smile. Will miss you, Shefali, you were a beautiful soul. Rest in Peace. Om Shanti.”

Fellow Bigg Boss 13 contestant Himanshi Khurana posted a picture with Jariwala and remarked, “Bigg Boss — that place is cursed, I think,” referencing the 2021 death of actor and Bigg Boss 13 winner Sidharth Shukla, who also died of cardiac arrest.

Actor Aly Goni simply posted: “RIP Shefali.”